2023 Pi- Day and Science Lecture
This year’s Pi-Day and Science Lecture Series was a memorable one. To a jam-packed audience of 60 attendees (40 in person and 20 in the virtual room), our key-note speaker was Dr. Martin Connors, who is a distinguished Canadian astronomer, space physicist, and professor at Athabasca University. He gave an insightful and informative talk entitled Space is Magnetic and Radioactive. He mesmerized and magnetized all of us with his explanation of the mysteries of the universe and had the audience spellbound.
The program consisted of an impressive variety of additional presentations. Upon entering, guests were welcomed with electronic music, composed by Dr. Adam Bergren, and titled July 10, 1856, commemorating Tesla’s birthdate.
President Lillian Beltaos began with opening remarks, and announced that the NTHSA will be celebrating the upcoming Nikola Tesla Day jointly with the Telus World of Science, Edmonton (TWOSE). She welcomed Trevor Prentice, Science Program Director from the TWOSE to offer his remarks. She also invited Dr. Bergren, who was attending virtually, to comment on his musical composition. Geoff Banjavich, from Winnipeg was also introduced virtually, and confirmed his enthusiasm to appear as a speaker in the Zeidler Dome of TWOSE for the Nikola Tesla Day celebration.
The Science Byte came next, with Karolina Ugljesic providing a touching account of Dr. Aleksandar Kostov’s cutting-edge research and significant accomplishments in neuroscience prior to his untimely death. We also heard three Tesla Tales before concluding the program with the door prize draws, and commencing the reception.
This was the first time since the Covid pandemic that we were able to host an in-house event. The difference this time was that we made it into a successful and flawless hybrid experience, by combining both virtual and in-person attendees. Thanks to some technologically savvy NTHSA members, we were able to include online participants from across Canada, who joined our in-person attendees.
Our venue for the occasion was the spacious Grand Room in the Chateau Nova Kingsway Hotel, courtesy of the efforts of our NTHSA member, Will Forrest. Another one of our fresh variations was a special science activity table reserved for children, featuring science-related games and puzzles to entertain young minds during the evening.
The reception was also an opportunity for attendees to visit our NTHSA display table and view our numerous Nikola Tesla artifacts. It was, however, the special artwork of Vesna Srnic that was a big attraction. Her edible depiction of our Solar System was in line with the theme of the evening, and the round shapes of the planets were consistent with the mathematical symbol, Pi. Also, in "Pi "-shaped form were trays of cookies decorated with Tesla themes, like the tesla unit, T, or just "We Love Tesla" slogans inscribed on the tasty bites. They were the artwork of our Vice-President, Lydia Emanuel. Aleksandra Essalki, a member of NTHSA, displayed her paintings portraying space, and offering to donate any purchases to the NTHSA. All in all, it was a very well received event, and we look forward to seeing you all on July 9th at TWOSE where we will be ‘Electrifying Edmonton’.
